Practice MCQs (5) — with Explanations

Each MCQ matches real UPSC/State PSC difficulty. Click 'Show answer' to reveal — try answering first.

1. Q1

   In which year was the Sinhala Only Act passed in Sri Lanka?

   1. A. 1948
   2. B. 1956
   3. C. 1972
   4. D. 1983
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   Correct: 1956

   Explanation: In 1956, an Act was passed by the Sri Lankan government to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil. This majoritarian measure alienated the Sri Lankan Tamils.

   Source (NCERT): "In 1956, an Act was passed to recognise Sinhala as the only official language, thus disregarding Tamil; this is known as the Sinhala Only Act."

2. Q2

   How many times did Belgian leaders amend their Constitution between 1970 and 1993 to accommodate ethnic differences?

   1. A. Two times
   2. B. Three times
   3. C. Four times
   4. D. Five times
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   Correct: Four times

   Explanation: Between 1970 and 1993, Belgian leaders amended their constitution four times so as to work out an arrangement that would enable everyone to live together within the same country.

   Source (NCERT): "Between 1970 and 1993, Belgian leaders amended their Constitution four times to work out an arrangement to enable everyone to live together within the same country."

3. Q3

   Which of the following is a unique feature of the Belgian model of power sharing?

   1. A. Single-party rule
   2. B. Community Government
   3. C. President as head of government
   4. D. Direct democracy
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   Correct: Community Government

   Explanation: Apart from the central and state governments, Belgium has a third kind of government called the Community Government, which is elected by people belonging to one language community (Dutch, French or German speaking) and has the power regarding cultural, educational and language related issues.

   Source (NCERT): "Belgium has a Community Government elected by people belonging to one language community to deal with cultural, educational and language related issues."

4. Q4

   Which of the following best describes a horizontal distribution of power?

   1. A. Power shared among different levels of government
   2. B. Power shared among different organs of government at the same level
   3. C. Power shared between political parties only
   4. D. Power shared among different states
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   Correct: Power shared among different organs of government at the same level

   Explanation: In a horizontal distribution of power, power is shared among different organs of government, such as the legislature, executive and judiciary, placed at the same level to exercise different powers and check one another.

   Source (NCERT): "Horizontal distribution of power allows different organs of government, placed at the same level, to exercise different powers, ensuring checks and balances."

5. Q5

   In which year did Sri Lanka emerge as an independent country?

   1. A. 1947
   2. B. 1948
   3. C. 1950
   4. D. 1956
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   Correct: 1948

   Explanation: Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948. Soon after independence, the leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority.

   Source (NCERT): "Sri Lanka emerged as an independent country in 1948."